THE LEGEND OF THE HOOF-A-DOO

There's a little barbershop in Mountain Home, Idaho, called The Family Barber Shop, located around the block from its original location, which was originally located next to the alley that ran between it and First Security Bank, just across Jackson Street from The Merc.  The Salvation Army Thrift Store was on the other side of it. Later, they moved to the corner of the block, then around it and down to its present location on North 3rd East Street. Each time, they took the floor tiles and paneling with them to the new location and put the place back together exactly the same way it was originally. First Security Bank became Well's Fargo, the Merc became PAUL'S, which is now gone, and the Salvation Army Store moved over across from Albertsons, before eventually disappearing as well, making way for Great American Video, which was put out of business by the internet (like all video stores), replaced by COLORTYME.

Back in the day (1970's), a haircut was $2.50, the same price as a movie ticket at the old CANYON theater, which is gone now, but once sat across the street from PAUL's next to LeBeau's which is now The Stockyard. Today, a haircut runs you $9.00 (cheaper than anywhere else) which is what the price of a movie ticket at TAKE ONE Cinema  ran you before it closed for a long remodel..

Dean, who used to own and run it, along with another older gentleman, would always entertain the kids with his Donald Duck imitation to distract them from the fact that they were getting a haircut. The place was, and still is, filled with hunting trophies, obtained over the years, adorning the walls. There's a bear rug on one wall, and a mountain lion on the back wall, a racoon above the front window and door, heads and antlers and heads of deer, elk, rams and antelope; stuffed ducks, pheasants and wild turkeys, a Canadian goose, and even fish.  A couple of paintings and a small quilt are also included.

On one narrow strip of wall between the bathroom and the breakroom/closet, near the top doorframe, is a strange little creature on a plaque labeled as an ALASKAN HOOF-A-DOO. It looks very much like an animal's hoof, except for the two eyes.  If you asked him about it, Dean would regale you with the story.

Dean has long since retired, and now George Cutlip runs the place by himself with his daughter occasionally coming in to help, or just to cut his hair after closing. The three barber chairs are still there, two of which were used when Dean was there, and now only one is used. George has added his granddaughter's seashell collection, which includes some starfish, coral, and a horseshoe crab shell, to several shelves on the wall opposite of the barber chairs. There's a TV in the corner, with the turkeys, to watch, which is usually turned on to the History Channel, amongst several chairs you can wait in, read a magazine, or just admire the decor till your turn comes - first come, first served. My favorite part as a kid, and still is to some extent, is the vacuuming of your head at the end to suck up the loose hair. The haircut includes a neck shave as well. He's open from 9 to 5, Tuesday through Friday, unless he's got an appointment, is hunting, or on vacation. It's the last barbershop in town with a barber pole outside.  You could always tell if it was open when you were walking up to it, even before you could see the OPEN sign, because the old red and while striped barber pole was spinning.

If you're ever in the area, maybe you can get George to explain the Hoof-a-Doo to you, although his version of the story differs somewhat from Dean's.

George has since retired after the passing of his wife, and sold the business. A young woman named Katey (208-599-0963, text only) now runs the place, and the story of the Hoof-a-Doo is now largely forgotten. The shell collection is gone, and the hunting trophies are slowly disappearing; being given to those who asked for them. The memories remain for those who grew up here, but those too shall soon pass into history.

NOTE ON WINDOW (3x)
(March - May, 2020)

Hey Boys,

Due to CDC recommendations and the dumb COVID-19 virus, The Family Barbershop will be closed. Let's be real guys, I put my hands all over your head on the regular. Stay inside, stay healthy, and come back soon.

Thanks everyone,

Katey

Text questions to: (208) 599-0963

NOW OPEN

Walk ins welcome/limited seating.